Ying Lau, Sebastian Yong Jun Koo, Sai Ho Wong, Wei How Darryl Ang
Enhancing professional image and improving workplace conditions are vital for sustaining future workforce resilience.
BACKGROUND: Understanding the factors influencing individuals' choices to pursue a nursing career is essential for creating effective recruitment and retention strategies, particularly in the aftermath of pandemics.
PURPOSE: To explore the perceptions and factors of nursing applicants and students towards nursing as a career in the context of the post-pandemic era.
METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with 31 nursing applicants and students. Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis was used.
RESULTS: Two main themes were identified: (1) Persuading antecedents for choosing the nursing profession, and (2) Apprehensions towards nursing as a career.
DISCUSSION: The pandemic further shaped perceptions, enhancing pride and visibility while revealing systemic vulnerabilities and burnout risks. Recruitment strategies should highlight nursing's societal impact while addressing structural barriers such as heavy workload, limited career progression, and negative stereotypes.
CONCLUSION: Enhancing professional image and improving workplace conditions are vital for sustaining future workforce resilience.